How can you distinguish fact from fiction?

Answer 1

Proof.

Shalom

Answer 2

There are several forms of reasoning that may help. Deductive reasoning would suggest that you gather evidence and draw conclusions from the evidence. Using the Bible as an example, Genesis says that a serpent spoke to Eve. However, no other examples of talking serpents exist. As a matter of fact, dissecting a serpent reveals they have no vocal cords, their lips are not designed to form words, and there is no language center in the brain. Therefore for anything we call a serpent, language is impossible. It can be deductively concluded, then, that the story of a speaking serpent is fiction.

Inductive reasoning does not require such a level of investigation. In inductive reasoning, the preponderance of evidence is sufficient to reach a conclusion. However, inductively reached conclusions are by definition weaker and therefore more easily falsifiable by new evidence. Using the same example, because there is no report of a talking serpent, it is reasonable to conclude inductively that the serpent did not speak and therefore the story is fiction.

Abductive reasoning works backwards. The cause of an action is inferred by the results. Using our serpent again, you have a story of a serpent that speaks, but no other serpents have ever been known to speak. Working backwards, what explanation could exist for the serpent? Since authors have written other stories as fiction, perhaps this story was also written as fiction.

Now, if you wish to insert God as a cause in any of these, you must then use some logic to prove the reasonableness of believing in God. This has been attempted through the ages. Perhaps you'll find some of the efforts compelling. Personally, I have not. I find it most compelling to believe that no God exists. You can click below to see my reasoning for reaching that conclusion.

I hope this is what you were hoping for.

Answer 3

If you are talking about religion....By using the same standards you use to prove other religions false. If Christians were of another religion they would say Christianity was proven false long ago by science and history. Christians killed and threatened so many people throughout history and made it so strict on training their children early that Christianity is a fact and all other religions are lies and are going to hell that they have the largest numers right now. Remember the Mayans, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Norse, all thought their religions were facts as well ...if the world turns to a new religion and it's members are the majority in the future they will laugh at Christianity and say it is a fairy tale of myths.

Answer 4

This is a great question.

How does one distinguish fact from fiction!

Every proclamation of fact has a premise.

All you have to do is test the premise for yourself and look at the results!

Use your imagination, use your common sense, and use your ability to reason in order to know and to discover the truth!

Answer 5

You have your 5 physical senses and instruments to strengthen them.
You have your rational sense for reasoning.
You have the intuition to catch fleeting inspirations.
You have great books, especially the Holy Books.
If you are a believer, you have the guidance of God through prayers.
And more experience to synchronize all those capacities.

I have used all those capacities to reach the fact that I am completely ignorant like other human beings; and only the One True God is all-knowing.

Answer 6

Jesus said He was the truth and the life,and that Holy Spirit would lead us into all truths.My sheep will know my voice and another will they not follow.Yet we so often find ourselves asking this very question.I think it is a sign of the times.I use this formula if I may call it that.#1.Truth isn't always what my flesh wants to here,yet the truth will always make sense.Fiction leaves me confused.#2.Truth will agree with the word of God.Fiction will only tell half truths.#3.Truth will bear witness with faithful brothers and sisters.Fiction separates and lacks unity and agreement.I hope you find what your looking for and may God bless you.

Answer 7

Everthing that is a fact can be proven by the Bible no matter the situation or circumstance. Fiction can not be proven in any way posssible, or can't be proven all the way.

Answer 8

You can't. What is fact but fiction looked at from a certain perspective?

Answer 9

The Holy Ghost testifies the truth to all of us. "Yea behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the holy ghost which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart." Prophets challanged that after reading scripture you pray and ask if they are true, and if you ask with sincere intent and an open heart, the Holy Ghost will testify it to you in a way you cannot deny.

Answer 10

Unfortunately you have to use personal judgement and your past experience to trust others who have blazed a trail for you .Or go to an unbiased school [if you can find one] for 12 to 14 years to be able to define what is really true.

Or you can just believe the bible as the word of God and immediately apply it to your life. Believe me if you take this approach you can save yourself those years of study.
Faith is believing what you can't see, feel or touch.

Start here
http://www.carm.org/seekers.htm

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10